jaw

jaw [jô]

n.

[ME jowe < OFr joue, cheek]

1. either of the two bones or bony parts that hold the teeth and frame the mouth in most vertebrates: the mandible (lower jaw) is usually hinged and movable, the maxilla (upper jaw) is usually not

2. any of various analogous biting structures of invertebrates

3. [pl.] the mouth

4. either of two mechanical parts that open and close to grip or crush something, as in a monkey wrench or vise

5. [pl.] the narrow entrance of a canyon, valley, strait, etc.

6. [pl.] something grasping or imminent [the jaws of death]

7. [Old Slang] a talk

vi.

Slang to talk, esp. in a boring or abusive way

vt.

[Old Slang] to scold or reprove, esp. repeatedly